SCL

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<p>Lots of my work is in b&W with older rangefinder bodies, and unless the lighting is quite unusual or I'm having a bad day, I generally use "Sunny 16" guidelines. If I'm working in color with these bodies, I use an incident meter. When I'm using a camera, like my DSLRs, with built in metering, I use the camera's metering, if I am thoroughly familiar with exactly how the camera meters (the pattern, weighting, etc) and apply compensation based on reflectance of the object being metered.</p>

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<p>If you're standing within 25 ft or so behind the cameras, you could use 2 inexpensive wireless triggers from that online auction site and set the receivers to the same channel, or alternatively, and even less expensively, use 2 corded shutter releases, and snip the wires and reattach the 2 units in parallel so one press of the button triggers the shutter.</p>

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<p>Read and reread your user manual until you understand it and are comfortable understanding it. Then shoot lots and gain practical experience.</p>

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<p>Canon P (screwmount), VC 35 @ f/5.6, Orange Filter, Pan F+ stand developed in Rodinal 1:100</p><div></div>

<p>Like others suggested, learn to use your first lens and master it before getting more. There are too many disappointed photography dilettantes out there because they never bothered to learn what their basic equipment could do before they splurged on more gear.</p>

<p>Years ago when I got into the R system I was reluctant to make a major investment in Leica R lenses (I had been using M lenses for years). I found some good examples of top-end Tamron Adaptall SP lenses, and they did just fine. Take a look here with the descriptions for the SP lenses: http://www.adaptall-2.org/</p>

<p>Basically at that level both the Nikon & Canons are the same...different ergonomics. If she wants a Canon, it is a fine camera and would make a great present for her. Don't bother with a lens other than the kit lens..., until she "masters" what she has, it is just a waste of money, as she may find that she really goes for shorter focal lengths.</p>

<p>Although I've used and owned lots of rangefinder cameras for the last 50 years, I'd strongly suggest before plunking down a lot of money for something you may not find agreeable or easy to use, that you get a used, much less expensive one to experiment with. After 5-6 months of shooting with it you will know with certainty what you want to either augment what you have, or trade up to something higher in the stratosphere - perhaps more complex lens characteristics. The most plentiful and least expensive RFs have fixed FL lenses, but many are quite good (I even keep one in my car all the time - although my primary RF shooter is a 1950s Leica). Next step up, IMHO, is the LTM bodies (Leica thread mount, or Leica screw mount - interchangeable terms), with tons of wonderful older lenses out there, German, Japanese, and then more modern lenses. The viewfinders are accurate, but not usually as big and bright as later models. Finally, there are (among others) Leica M mount bodies, designed to accommodate a larger diameter lenses to take advantage of different optical designs and rendering characteristics. All of the abovementioned bodies and lenses are good suggestions, but like swimming, before you jump into the ocean, it makes sense to take lessons in a swimming pool.</p>

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<p>"It's not about the equipment, it is about the vision, inspiration, and creativity of the photographer"</p>